Union II Win Again With 6 Academy Young Stars Making Their Debut, Including Cavan Sullivan

Union II was looking to build on their opening weekend win against Toronto FC II as they faced New England Revolution II, a team they have a terrible record against. Find out how Marlon LeBlanc’s team got on down below!

Marlon LeBlanc was forced into 3 changes from the side that beat Toronto II as Andrew Rick was called up to the senior team last night, and both Neil Pierre and David Vazquez were called up to the US U19’s camp in Morocco. Mike Sheridan would replace Rick and academy stars Gavin Wetzel and Alex Perez replaced Pierre and Vazquez.

Union II, Cavan Sullivan — Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union II

Union II vs Revs II Recap

Union II started the game slowly after having the opening shot of the game. However, it was New England who would open the scoring after 10 minutes, when Alex Monis, New England’s new striker and the player I noted in my preview as being the one to watch in this game, found the back of the net.

Mike Sheridan, who only signed for Philly a few days before the season started, made several quality saves to keep Union only 1 goal down.

After going 1-0 down, Union II started to grow into the game and after a short corner to captain Kyle Tucker, his cross was put into the Revolution’s net by a New England defender to draw Marlon LeBlanc’s side level.

Union II used the momentum gained from tying the game and went close a couple of times before the end of the half through both Kyle Tucker and Eddy Davis. Davis’s attempt was cleared off the line and the teams were tied at the half

Marlon LeBlanc’s side started the second half on top, with both Olivas and Davis having chances to double Philly’s lead.

Cavan Sullivan came on in the 50^th minute to make his MLS Next Pro debut, replacing Alex Perez who looked solid during his debut.

Two more Union Academy stars made their debuts for Union II as Kellan LeBlanc and Diego Rocio replaced Giovanny Sequera and Eddy Davis, 70 minutes in.

The game looked like it was heading for a tie but just after the 80^th minute, Cavan Sullivan played a beautiful ball through the back line of New England, which found Sal Olivas and he finished brilliantly from just outside the box to put Union II in the lead.

New England came extremely close to leveling the game twice. Sheridan pulled off a world-class save in the 87^th minute. New England then thought they had equalised in the 90^th minute but the linesman’s flag was up and the goal was ruled offside.

Jamir Johnson, another Union Academy standout and one I spoke about a few weeks back during my academy squad’s breakdown made his MLS Next Pro debut when he came on with just a few minutes remaining.

Union II would see the final minutes out and win the game 2-1, their 2^nd win of the season in their first 2 games, both comeback wins at home.